Dont Mean

A Thing
HTHI Greek Tragedy Play Project
Erin 1/3

SCRIPT

Prologue:

(Sam and Paul are riding a Helicopter. The roar of the Helicopters engine and
the spin of its blades drowns out almost all sound from outside the cramped
chopper compartment. Paul and Sam are sitting next to each other, Dotson is
sitting next to Huddleston. Paul is holding a polaroid picture.)
Pilot:
This is Lazarus 3-1 to Khe Sanh Tower. Starting final approach from the
Southeast. Manifest is.. a couple replacement Marines, couple crates of 5-5-6,
40-mike-mike and LRP
(Lurp)
rations. Were a couple mikes out from the LZ. How
copy?

(Inaudible radio chatter responds to the pilot)

Pilot:
Roger that Khe Sanh. Lazarus-3-1 out.
Sam:
Paul, whats an LZ?
Paul:
(Fiddling with a photograph)
It means landing zone, Sammy.
Sam:
(Sam points at the photograph after a brief pause)
Thats the only picture
Anna gave you? She still that mad at you?
Paul:
Maybe, but she cant stay mad at me forever. Annas just not used to being on
her own, thats all.
Sam:
You already left her for college a year ago. This time youre just not seeing
her over Christmas.
(Laughs and nudges Paul)
Huddleston:
College, huh?
Dotson:
Not many enlisted in the Marine Corps can say the same.
Paul:
Yeah, but a place like that cant keep me caged in for too long.
(Exhales
and switches to a cheerful tone)
Why sit at home when theres a whole war going
on? (
Trying to seem tough)
The only thing Im afraid of is that all thisll be over
before I get to spend some time on the ground.
Sam:
(Pause, then speaks quietly)
Why didnt you tell them you came here for me
too? Mama said youd look out for me? Cause we're brothers... right Paul?

Paul:
Well, theres that too
(Smiles at Sam reassuringly)
Dotson:
Boys, Ive been coming back here again and again since 65...
Huddleston:
65.
Dotson:
And I can tell you from my personal experience that there isnt a single
gook- whether it be a some farmer, Charlie in the bush, or one of those ARVN
boys- not one of them in this entire goddamn country is gonna care why youre
here fighting in this war.
Huddleston:
Nobody.
Sam:
Whos Charlie?
Dotson:
What the hell do you mean, Whos Charlie? The slopes, man!
(Hits
Huddleston and laughs)
I have to explain this to all the boots. Charlies short
for Victor Charlie
Huddleston:
Which is code for VC.
Dotson:
You cant tell me that you aint never heard of the Viet Cong?
(Pause and
looks over at Paul and Sam)
Theyre a bunch of rag-tag guerilla fighters.
Huddleston:
Deadly bastards, man.
Dotson:
They hit hard and move even faster. By day theyre rice farmers, and by
night theyre squatting in a bush aiming a piece of cold iron at one of our guys.
Huddleston:
Its insane out there.
Dotson:
No one back home gets whats goin on over here. They send us over here to
fight their wars n shit.
Huddleston:
It just dont mean a thing.
Dotson:
Dont mean a thing.
Sam:
What doesnt mean a thing?
Dotson:
This war, man! Politics and public opinion and Congress dont mean a
goddamn thing out here in the end. It just dont
(exhales dismissively)
just
play it cool and you might live to see the end of this war.
Sam:
Do we get attacked a lot out there?
(Franticly)
Are we going to die?!
Paul:
(Plainly)
Were not gonna die.

Sam:
(
Scared
) But what if one of those slopes get us? What if we get shot down?
What ifPaul:
Were going to be fine. The slopes wont get us as long as we get em first.
Sam:
(Starts to panic)
But what ifPaul:
Please Sammy, dont do this right now. Were fine-
(points forwards
towards audience)
just look around! Look out the window.

(Sam gets distracted looking out the window then he pulls a bunch of photos
from his pocket and looks through them)
Dotson:
(
Concerned
) Is he okay? Seems a little...
(motions as if crazy)
confused...
Paul:
Hes fine Its just a little hard for him to adjust to all this. Hes never
been away from home. Hes is just taking it all in.
Dotson:
Okay then. Im Dotson, by the way.
(Shakes hands with Paul)
Huddleston:
Huddleston. (
Shakes hands with Paul)
Paul:
Im Paul.
(Points to Sam)Thats my brother Sam.
Sam:
Paul, look!
(Excited expression towards window
)
Paul:
Yeah, I can see the base from here. Were landing.
Sam:
Paul, (
Looks away from the window
)
I'm so glad youre here with me. You're my
best friend, Paul. We got each others backs, right? Nothin gets between
brothers... right Paul?
Paul:
(
Says as if he was talking to a five year old.)
Sam, are you kidding me. I
would never leave your side. We have a bond, and Id never let some draft pull us
apart.
Sam:
Thanks. Youre my favorite brother, Paul.
Paul:
Im your only brother Sammy.
Sam:
It's like when we were kids- To hell and back, we got each others backs!
(Holds his hand out for a high five)
Paul:
(After a moment of hesitation, high fives Sam)
To hell and back.

(Dotson and Huddleston groan and fake gag)

Pilot:
Be advised Khe Sanh- were touching down now over. Lazarus 3-1 out.
Sam:
(Wrinkles nose and sniffles)
Hey, whats that smell?

Huddleston:
Napalm. Youll get used to it. Welcome to the suck.
Parados:

(Chorus consists of 2 Marines and 2 nurses spread out along the stage. Their
time in Nam reflects on their appearances and attitudes.)
Nurse 1:
Two boys set off with eager hands
One to protect his brother, the other, his land.
They dont know whats to come
Paying attention to the news, they only know of whats been done.
Marine:
When God closes a door, he opens a window,
but a draft blew in, air sharp and cold as snow
and it took them away, out into the dark
they saw it as an opportunity, an exciting spark
Nurse 2:
Two boys set off, they had no shame
This was their war,
All:
And war is a game.
Nurse 2:
You can know every single rule and expect to win,
and end up losing due to ignorance
Colonel:
Too soon theyd learn the truth of a gun
and even with winners, the wars never won.
Scene 1:

(Ferguson, Ashman are at a Marine Outpost stage right. Sandbag fortifications

separate them from the jungle. Sam and Paul enter from stage left and walk up to
Schroeder who is reading papers off a clipboard on stage left.)
Paul:
Uhh, excuse me Sir? Is this Echo Company? Third Battalion, Third Marines?
Schroeder:
Yeah, you found us.
(Unenthused)You two the new replacements?
Paul:
Yes, sir. Private Adams.
Sam:
(Confidently)
And Im also Private Adams, sir.

(Smiles wide)

(Paul flashes a quick salute and Sam stands still and quickly salutes once he
sees that Adams is saluting, they put their hands down.)
Schroeder:
Brothers?! Thats a first for this platoon. Well, Im First-Lieutenant
Rob Schroeder. Welcome to one of the many homes of Americas finest: Khe Sanh
Combat Base, Quang Tri Province. (
Schroeder places his hand on Pauls shoulder
and points towards Ferguson, who is wiping dirt off an M16)
That guy over there
wiping down his rifle is Sergeant Ferguson. Hell be your new squad leader.

(Adams and Sam follow Schroeder over to Ferguson, stage right)

Schroeder:
Ferguson, Im placing these two new guys in your squad. These areFerguson:
(Obviously irritated)

Boots, Sir? Really? Yall dont even look to be

twenty. Khe Sanh doesnt have anyone left with hair on their balls so they have
to send these two boots?
Sam:
(
Unsure and standing awkwardly. Moves behind Paul slightly.
) Hey, what's
your problem? Were Marines too, ya know. Paul and I can take of ourselves.
Ferguson:
Youre
(points finger at Paul and Sam)
fresh meat in the grinder, boy. I
bet you havent even fired your rifle at a gook yet- if youve even fired your
rifle at all.
Ashman:
You think we can trust one of these boots to cover a flank, L-T? I
wouldnt wanna share a foxhole with one of those boots, man. Let Charlie take
em!

(Ferguson and Ashman laugh)

Ferguson:
Aww, you gonna cry? Wouldnt want to be known as the guy who cried on
his first day would ya?
Sam:
Im not gonna cry.
Ashman:
You sure look like it.
Sam:
IM NOT.

(Ashman stares at him with a grin, Sam is biting his lip. His whole body and
posture is tense. After a moment, Paul pulls Sam away from Ashman.)
Ashman:
If youre going to cry, do it in front of your big brother.
Schroeder:
Shut the hell up, Ashman. Dont you have firewatch in a couple of
hours?

Ashman:
(Jokingly)

Well I just got this bad feeling in my gut, sir. Dont feel
combat fit, hope you dont mind. Im sure Charlie would understand and lay off
for the day.
Schroeder:
Get the hell out of here! Go police up the D-FAC or something.

(Schroeder guides Sam and Paul to center stage, Ferguson and Ashman laugh and
joke behind their backs as the exit stage right)
Paul:
Whats their problem?
Schroeder:
Dont mind Ferguson and Ashman, theyre good men. Ive been hunting
Charlie with those guys since 67. You guys are just boots to them. Give it some
time, theyll start warming up to you, youll see.
(Pauses and looks at watch.)
Now I gotta get goin. I gotta check in with motor pool. You two can set up over
there.
(Points stage left.)
Dismissed.
(Exits stage right)
Paul:
(Looks to Sammy concerned)
You alright Sam? Dont let those pricks get to
you. We just need to show them theyll see...
Sam:
Yeah, I'm okay. Well show them Paul. As long as I got you here to protect me,
anyway.
Paul:
Sammy
(pauses)
you know I can't protect you all the time. You gotta
toughen up around these guys. I know you have it in you Sam remember a couple
years ago when you beat up those kids that were picking on us?
Sam:
But Paul I didnt want to hurt those boys. They just wouldnt stop
laughing at me and I thought they were going to hurt you.
Paul:
I know Sammy but thats the point. You are strong and you need to show the
guys here that you can take care of yourself. Dont let anyone push you around
you hear me Sammy?
Sam:
(Flexes muscles)
Im strong Paul like Superman! (
Starts play fighting
)
Paul:
Alright, alright. Quit showin off.
(Serious tone)
But really, you gotta
step it up out here. You cant let these other guys think youre weak or else
youll never hear the end of it. Man up a little. This aint like back at home, you
know that.

(Sam distressingly looks at the ground)

Paul:
(Exhales and steps closer to Sam, placing his hand on his shoulder)
Let me
hear you say youre gonna try.
Sam:
(Unsure)
I'll try...

Paul:
(Enthusiastic)
C'mon, lemme hear you say it!
Sam:
(Slightly more confident)
I'll try.
Paul:
Just try?! I want you to
do
it! Let me hear you!
Sam:
(Excited)
I'll do it!
Paul:
Good. Proud of ya Sam. C'mon, let's go get set up.
(Paul puts his hand on
Sam's shoulder, they exit stage right together)
Chorus 1:

(Chorus consists of Coronel, Marine, and 2 nurses spread out along the stage.
Their time in Nam reflects on their appearances and attitudes.)
Colonel:
Hes grown into a man's body
But because of his mind its almost gaudy
Nurse 2:
Unseen or ignored the problem sits
Throughout this life he's learned to submit
Nurse 1:
His brother has new obligations,
He must protect, and provide care, let alone for his nation
Marine :
Now its time for the real test
Whether to stand with his brother,
All:
or fight for acceptance.
Scene 2:

(Paul and sam sitting on stage. Paul has a letter and is reading it. Sam is
flipping threw his photos.)
Paul:
(Angry)
GODDAMMIT!
(Sam stands up)
She left me! She took everything. The

apartment, the car, even the damn dog!

Sam:
Anna?
(Confused and wide eyed.)
What happened?
Paul:
(Angry, loud. Looks back at letter and reads it)

She says she hates me for

choosing to leave her. She even mentioned that shes leaving me for a guy she
met named Jody. Who the hell is
(Sarcastically)
Jody?! Ive only been here for
like two weeks! Now I get this dropped on me?
Sam:
What if you send her flowers!? Like that one time in high school! Or if you
(Gets cut off)

Paul:
Are you serious right now? I cant send her flowers from here! Thats
something even you should know!
Sam:
(Gets startled)
Well then Maybe you write her? I write Ma sometimes and(Gets cut off again)
Paul:
(Stands up, angry)
Dont you understand that I might never see her again?!
Sam:
(Silence before he speaks)
Paul...

Paul:
Just shut up.
You dont understand the slightest bit of whats going on in

my head right now. You never understand anything!

Sam:
It doesnt matter if I get it, it only matters that youPaul:
Do you want to know what else was in that letter?
(Paul raises the letter
aggressively. )
Annas furious that I choose you over her. That I was willing to
come out here to save your sorry ass instead of finishing college to get a job.
A
real job.
Now Im here risking my life for you and all you have to say is that I
can buy her some flowers..
(Buries face into hands)
I came all the way out here
for you and just look at where thats gotten me! No one cares, and no one ever
will. Thats what matters.
Sam:
Hey, I thought we were brothers remember, to hell and-
(cut off)
Paul:
Enough, Sam! Why dont you ever take a goddamn hint?

(Ferguson enters stage right at the end of Pauls monologue)

Ferguson:
What yall boots yelling about this time?!

Sam:
Hey Ferguson, be nice. His girl just left-
(Paul elbows him hard in the side)
Ow!
(grabs side)

(Paul looks at Sam and mouths for him to shut up while Ferguson is delivering
his next line)
Ferguson:
Oh,
I see. (Ferguson moves forward and snatches the letter away from
Paul.)
Your girl left you, huh?
Paul:
Give that back!
(Struggles to get the letter back)
Ferguson:
Haha!
(Yells to Ashman, who is offstage)
Hey, Ashman! Get a load of
this
!
Paul:
(Balls fists)
Hey jackass! You cant just-

(Ashman enters stage right)

Ashman:
What the hell are all of you screaming at? Youll attract every damn
dink in the sector!
Ferguson:
(Skimming the letter)

This letter is for one of the boots over here. So

get this, his girl just left him for some civvie named Jody!

(Ashman and Ferguson both laugh. Paul tries to grab the letter from Ferguson,
but Ferguson keeps managing to keep it out of his reach)
Ashman:
No way man!
(Laughing)
Classic! You got any pictures, boot? I spose you
wont need em anymore.
(Sarcastically)
I could use some fresh entertainment.
Paul:
(Pushes Ashman)

Youre disgusting!

(Ashman grabs Paul by his jacket)

Sam:
(Gets angry)
Hey! Dont touch him dont hurt my brother!

(Sam pushes Ashman to the ground hard, both Paul and Ashman fall. Paul is
shocked. Ashman touches his forehead. Schroeder enters stage left)
Schroeder:
(Pissed)

LANCE CORPORAL ASHMAN! PRIVATE SAM ADAMS! What the HELL do

you think youre doing!?

(Ashman and Paul stand up immediately. Sam rushes to Paul trying to help him
up. Paul pushes Sam away and pulls himself up)
Schroeder:
Its bad enough that the slopes are trying to kill us, but now you
guys wanna kill each other!?
Sam:
(quietly)
They took Paul's letter!
Ferguson:
(Reassuringly)

Rob, he justSchroeder:
(Schroeder pulls out the knife hands on Ferguson and starts barking)

Not another word, Ferg. Else Ill have Gunny France come down here and NJP your
ass back to the seventh circle of hell. I could hear you guys from the other side
of the goddamn wire. Ferguson, give Paul his letter back and return to your
post. Ashman, you too.
Ashman:
This is insane!
(Gestures toward Adams)
That crazy boot pushed me first!
Schroeder:
Stand down, Lance Corporal.
(Looks at Ferguson)
Did you hear me? Or
was your head too far up your ass? Give him the letter.

(Ferguson holds out the letter like hes going to hand it to Paul. But, as Paul
reaches out to get it, Ferguson drops it onto the ground.)

Ferguson:
Oops.

(Ferguson and Ashman walk to exit stage left. As Ashman walks offstage, Ferguson
turns and delivers one last line before exiting.)
Ferguson:
Their crying and sobbing ain't gonna mean a damn thing when one of
them gook snipers has got them in his sights.
Schroeder:
Get back to your post, Sergeant.
(Stern)
Thats an order.

(Ferguson exits)
Sam:
Im sorry, Rob... I mean Lieutenant.
Schroeder:
(Slight laugh, smiles)
Its fine.
(Schroeder places his hand on Sams
shoulder)
Just control yourself okay? Save all that fight in ya for Charlie. If
you want respect you gotta earn it. You gotta prove that youre just as good as
those guys if you ever wanna get them to stop treating you like crap. Thats just
how it works round here. What started this mess anyway?
Paul:
Nothing sir, its fineSam:
Its Anna, sir.
Schroeder:
Anna?
(To Paul)
That your girl?
Paul:
Yeah.
(Slight pause before continuing.)
Its nothing. She left me, sir. Its
not a big deal anymore.
Sam:
But Paul you were just talking about how upset you are and...
(Paul cuts off
Sam)
Paul:
Its fine Sam!
Schroeder:
Ah, Ive seen this situation way too many times. You arent the first
bachelor that this wars created, and you won't be the last. Nothing I can say can
win her back, I can only hope that you move forward. It wont help you or any
other Marine here if you keep thinking about her, Paul. Best let it go.

(Schroeder flashes a quick salute. Sam and Paul salute back, and Schroeder exits
stage left. Paul turns to face Sam)
Paul:
(Angry)

What the hell was that all about?

Sam:
What do you mean I dunno. Fergusons just aPaul:
No, Im not talking about Ferguson! Im talking about you. Were already
getting disrespected every goddamn second of the day and you just sit there and

tell Schroeder about everything! And watch everyone treat you like a piece of
shit! What were you thinking when you decided to push me and Ashman?! That just
proves to them how careless you are with your strength!
Sam:
I dont know what that means to you- being respected and all- but I dont
mind 'em much. I had to show Ashman whos boss. We got each other anyways- aint
that all that matters? Well be outta here in no time!
Paul:
(Angry)
Even if we did get outta here, what else do I have left, man? My
girls gone. If you could just grow up a little, maybe our time here would be
worth somethin.
Sam:
I
am
grown. I can do this myself.
Paul:
You think you can do this yourself?! Hell, you cant even blouse your boots
right Lets face it, you shouldnt be here.
Sam:
(Begins to get upset)
Why are you like this? What did I do? You just keep
changing, Paul.
(Begins to shake his head)
Keep changing, keep changing,
(Paul
takes his photos from his pocket and Sam goes over to him to try to help comfort
him.)
Paul:
(
Sigh)
Im sorry Sammy. I didnt mean it. You know how I get when I'm mad
and
(Trails off then pauses.)
Respect just matters to me,
kind of like those

photos you keep in your pocket.

(Sam keeps going as if he doesnt hear Paul)
Cmon Sammy cut it out.
(Sam is still looking at his photos, Paul lets out a big
sigh)
Sammy its okay. Were brothers. We got each others back..to hell and back.
Sam:
(Smiles)
Really? You mean it Paul?
Paul:
(Obviously just trying to get Sammy back to normal, but doesn't mean what
he is saying.)
Sure Sammy, I mean it. To hell and back.
Chorus 2:

(Chorus consists of 1 Marines,

Colonel
and 2 nurses spread out along the stage.
Their time in Nam reflects on their appearances and attitudes.)
Marine:
He doesn't understand but he does his best
He wants to help his brother through this mess
Colonel:
Though unable to understand his brother hurts
He tries his best to help comfort
Nurse 1:
His baby talks in times of need
Weren't meant to be taken as bad deeds
Nurse 2:
His brother now can take no more

No longer does he want to carry his brother

All:
through this war.
Scene 3:

(Ferguson and Barber sitting on stage. Ferguson messing with a radio. Sam and
Paul are standing at the wire on watch.)
Ferguson:
Cant get this stupid thing to work.
Barber:
(Jokingly)

Maybe the thing wouldnt be broken if your fat-ass didnt

land on it?
Ferguson:
(Laughing, doesnt take offense)
Shut the hell up.

(Schroeder enters stage right with his M16 in-hand. Ashman enter behind him.)
Schroeder:
Orders just came in. Battalion wants us to hump up East to the river
by sector twelve. Were supposed to rendezvous with a Patrol Boat that's
dropping off a couple of guys from I-Corps, probably SOG or somethin.
Barber,

(Gestures towards him)

we need you! We got a couple others waiting by the wire,
and grab the PRC Radio. I need you guys to stay here and keep watch. Were
moving out in five.
Ferguson:
L-T? What about me?
Schroeder:
Youre staying here with the Adams boys. I need someone with
experience to lock down the OP while were gone.
Ferguson:
(Irritated)

You want
me
to babysit these two chicken shits? What
happens when Charlie thinks its a good idea to try to take this place over?
What if you run into trouble out there? And youre gonna leave me here on
baby-patrol?
Schroeder:
If

there are any slopes out there, then well find them. Youre
staying here. End of discussion. Keep watch, stay put.
Lets move!

(Yelling)
Were
oscar mike!
(Exits offstage left as Barber and Ashman follow)
Ferguson
: Godammit!
(Throws his cap/helmet onto the ground)
I didnt sign up to
just sit on my ass all day in the damn sun.
Sam:
Im sure its nothing. They probably wont find anything out there. We never
see anything, huh Paul?
Ferguson:
Y'all stupid? Were not even close to being deep in that jungle. You
heard the L-T, theyre spose to be picking up some boys from SOG. Thats some

high-level classified shit. You got any idea what kind of heat thats gonna
attract?
Paul:
Hey, lay off! Dont talk to him like that!
Ferguson:
You think you can talk to me like that?! Y'all just two FNGs in the
middle of the big bad jungle. Theres thousands of other inexperienced kids
just like you! Y'all got no say here.
(Moves towards Sam)
And what about you? You
always need your big brother to stand up for you?
Paul:
(Puts his arm between the two)
Back off, man! Whats your problem?
Ferguson:
My problem is you! For months you been out here in Nam and you guys
havent even shot any slopes dead yet. You was still a civilian while I was
sittin in the mud firing 5.56 at Charlie and watching my buddies get blown to
bits.
Paul:
Well were here whether you like it or not! Bout time you started gettin
used to us.
Ferguson:
Hey, you gotta earn your place round here. Ive seen things.
(Guilty/Worried)
Things they dont put into the news back home.
Paul:
Were all here together, Ferguson! Youre just as scared as we are. Youre
too proud to admit it, but you probably shit yourself every time you go face to
face with Charlie.

(Ambient gunfire and explosions in the distance)

Sam:
Paul,
(Gets startled and grabs Paul)
whats that noise?
(Sam begins to rock
back and forward and slowly moves into the corner.)
Ferguson:
(Expression is furious from Pauls previous comment, then turns

scared when he realizes whats going on)

Sounds like the L-T ran into some
trouble. Sounds really bad from the looks of it, poor bastards. Get your 16s
ready and watch the wire, dont wanna let any of those dinks sneak up on you.

(Paul looks into the audience)

Paul:
Hey wait, someones running this way! I think its one of our guys!
Ferguson:
Friendlies coming up from the wire! It looks like Barber and
Ashman...?

(Barber and Ashman enter through the audience, huffing and puffing.)
Ferguson:
The hell are you doing here? Where are the others?

Barber:
We walked right into a gook ambush, man. Theyre holding position in
this clearing, waiting for a MEDEVAC chopper to airlift the wounded.
Ferguson:
Wounded? Who got hit?
Barber:
When they opened up on us, they got Huddleston pretty good. But the
others are stabilizing him. And Schroeder
(Barber is on the verge of breaking
down)
Ferguson, Lieutenant Schroeders dead.
Ferguson:
WHAT?!? Dammit! I knew I shouldve been out there!
(Pacing back and
forth and running hands across face)
Screw it, Im gonna help them out.
Schroeder cant be dead

(Ferguson pushes Barber out of the way and starts making his way to the exit
stage left, Ashman stops him.)
Ashman:
EVERYONE WHOS ALREADY HERE NEEDS TO STAY. Its hell out there, people
are either engaged with Charlie or breaking contact and pulling out!
(Ferguson
cuts him off)
Ferguson:
I NEED to go out there!
(Pushes Ashman to the side)
Paul:
Ferguson, calm down!

(Paul and Ashman both grab Ferguson and keep him from leaving)
Ferguson:
Get your hands off me!
(Voice starts breaking)
Im gonna kill every
damn gook in that jungle! Let me go! You dont get it- Ive been with that bastard
since 67! Schroeder saved my ass more times than the number of fingers on my
hand! Hes not dying! Not like this!
Barber:
There ain't nothing you can do thatll bring Schroeder back! You gotta
pull yourself together!
Ferguson:
Dont tell me to pull myself together, you quaker!
(Pushes Paul and
Ashman back)
I AM CALM!
Ashman:
No you aint, Ferguson. Just think clearly for a second, dammit! You
CANT go out there, Im serious. Theyre bringing in nape strikes all over the
sector!
Paul:
(Tense)

Ashmans right, Ferguson. You gotta wait for the fast-movers to

clear out, or else youll get turned into a crisp. Nightfall, maybe. Sneak up and
clean up whatever gooks are left in the dark so he wont see you coming. Hell,
Ill even go with you. Schroeder was my friend too, and Im not gonna get any
rest until we find the gooks that took him out.

Ferguson:
I guess youre right
(Ferguson pauses and shuts his eyes as he
thinks for a moment, then looks back up with determination and ferocity in his
voice)
Screw it, we cant wait for orders this time. Im gathering as many guys as
I can and moving out at nightfall. We burn and destroy every single one of
Charlies hideouts and villages. We kill every single dink that our fast-movers
didnt turn into barbecue.
Chorus 3:
Colonel:
Two boys set off, woken with a flash of light, little did they know it
would end with the falling of ash
Nurse 1:
They watch their comrades drop like rain
Onto the ground, blood spilled from their veins
Nurse 2:
Seeing death makes ones mind begin to tick
Like a cuckoo clock, a trigger click
Marine:
War blurs the lines of wrong and right
Its easy to let blood block ones sight
Colonel:
His brother doesn't see how hard hes tried
He refuses to understand
All:
the others need for pride
Scene 4:

(Ferguson and Ashman are sitting center stage. Ferguson is holding a flask.
Paul and Sam walk on.)
Paul:
What's that you got in your hands?
Ferguson:
Take a swig and see, boot.
(Holds flask out to Paul.)
Youre coming out
with us beyond with wire later, right? We need ya. The only other person who
agreed to come was Barber, since he was there when it went down.

(Paul hesitates for a moment and turns to Sam. Paul turns back to Ferguson)
Paul:
Yeah. Im up for anything.
(Takes the flask and takes a sip. He tries to hold
it down, he ends up coughing hard.)
Ashman:
Haha, looks like the boot cant take his liquor. Youll get used to it
soon, kiddo.
Sam:
Wait, Paul, why are you leaving? Shouldn't you wait for Schroeder to get
back? Its been so long but hell be back soon and-
(Gets cut off by Ferguson)

Ferguson:
(To Sam)
Will you just shut up for five seconds!? Why dont you catch
anything?
(Turns away in a fit of anger)
Paul:
(To Sam)
Sammy, Schroederhe died out there.
(Nudges head towards the
audience.)
Sam:
(Gets a sad puppy dog tone.)
He- he died?
Paul:
Yeah. Thats whyFerguson:
Thats why were going out there- for Schroeder. You wanna just turn
the cheek when these dinks have just killed your L-T? Were going out there
tear-ass, take names, and make Chesty proud.
(pause)
Okay, were going to gear
up.
(Serious, doubt in his tone)
Paul, are you coming?
Paul:
Yeah, Im coming.
Sam:
(Sam raises his hand)
Oh- oh, Ill come too!
Ferguson:
You kidding me? Hell no you can't come. Your dumb fumbling and baby
talks only gonna slow us down.
Sam:
(Stands up tall trying to look tough)
Im not a baby! I can do this! Right
Paul? Tell them. Let me come!
Paul:
No Sam. I think they are right. You cant go.
Sam:
What? Paul! Youre leaving me here? I dont want to be left alone!
Ferguson:
(Turns to Ashman)
What dumb POG
(pronounced pogue)
pencil-pusher
let this sad sack of shit into the Marines? Hes like an overgrown man-baby.
(Pause)
Meet us by the other guys when youre ready to take this seriously, but

were oscar-mike asap.

Paul:
Yes sirFerguson:
I look like a Sir to you? I didnt realize I had bars on my jacket.
Ashman:
Hey lay off a little, we got a big night ahead of us. Lets just go.

(Ferguson and Ashman exit stage left, Paul gets more furious when theyre alone)
Paul:
Im not letting you go, Sam. I swear to god if you go, Ill-

(Exhales)
I cant
protect you out there. Youre staying put.
Sam:
Please, I have to go! Paul, just let me go- I dont need you to protect me this
time! I dont wanna be alone here!

Paul:
STOP! Youre so impossible! You cant come! Youll destroy everything! This
is my chance to get some respect around here and I cant have you messing it up!
Sam:
(Begins to get upset)
Dont leave me alone Paul!
(Sam grabs Pauls arm and
starts shaking his head)
I dont wanna be alone.
Paul:
GET AWAY FROM ME!
(Paul pushes Sam)
Leave! Youre just not going to
understand! EVER. You were never cut out to be a Marine, so just let us handle
this.
Sam:
(Holding back tears)

Schroeder wouldnt have wanted this at all. Schroeder

liked me and I liked him.
Paul:
Schroeder wouldnt want you arguing with every goddamn person in this
unit. You still wanna be tough? Heres your chance to prove yourself.
Sam:
But Paul, were supposed to stay together.
Paul:
God, you really dont understand anything, do you?
Sam:
(Anger starts to show on his face. He starts to breathe heavily. Begins to
yell)
You know Paul- you dont always understand everything either! I cant be
here without you!
(Runs stage left, covers face with hands starts repeating don't
want to be alone quietly to himself.)

(Paul turns towards Sam and reaches out to comfort him. Ferguson and Ashman
enter stage right. Paul immediately turns away from Sam)
Ferguson:
Paul, you ready to go? Daylights gonna be on us if we dont move soon.
Paul:
(Glances at Sam, then back at Ferguson)

Yeah, lets do this.

Ferguson:
(Looks at the watch on his wrist)

Now the only one were waiting on is

Barber Where the hell is he?

(Barber enters stage right)

Ferguson:
There you are, finally. Did you slip and fall into one of the latrines
or something?
Barber:
(Sarcastic)

Yeah, haha. Sarge, I seriously dont think this is a good

idea. VC activity around here has been going up and comms are always clogged up
during the day by guys that are getting shot to pieces. Something just doesnt
feel rightFerguson:
Whatever, man. Dont listen to that stuff, it dont mean a thing. Tet is
in a couple of days, so Charlies bound to be settling down and taking it easy.
Their new years holiday is more important to them than this war.

Barber:
Alright, fine. Ill go with you, but I still think this is a bad call.

(Ashmanand Ferguson exit stage left. Pauls moves to follow them out, but is
stopped by Baber at the exit.)
Barber:
Is he okay?
Paul:
(
Turns back to look at Sam and pauses for a moment.)
Hell be fine.
(Exits
stage left with Barber)
Chorus 4:

(Walk out from stage left and right and stand in a line.)
Marine:
They didnt understand, at least not each other
Pretending its okay because they are brothers
Nurse 2:
Burdened by promise, embarrassment, shame
impatient, yet loving,
All:
His brother he blames.
Colonel:
His brother wouldnt understand
that without him there he couldnt be a man
Nurse 1:
But even with knowing his brothers pains
He only thinks of his own gain.
Exodus:

(Everyone is slowly walking onto stage, combat ready. Completely silent.

Ferguson is in the lead followed by Barber, Ashman, and Paul.)
Ferguson:
(Quietly)

Wait a minute
(Holds his hand up in a fist, then everyone
stops walking. Makes a downward motion with a flat hand, everyone crouches)
Barber, lemme see that map.
Barber:
(Hands Ferguson map)
Whats up?
Ferguson:
I think we missed our target. Dammit! We shouldve hit this village
here
(points on the map)
by now. Schroeder thought one of Charlies weapon
caches mightve been hidden in it
Paul:
Theres nothing out here, huh? Weve been out here for hours n we havent
seen a single gook! Whered they all go?

(Distant explosions added to ambient noises)

Ashman:
(Pulls his gun up, as if hes ready to get into a firefight)

Sounds like

somethings going down somewhere.

(Noise of loud rustling/movement through the bushes. All the Marines point
their rifles to the left stage entrance. Dotson enters stage right)
Dotson:
Woah, woah! Friendlies! Easy guys! Its just me.
Barber:
Dotson? Arent you supposed to be at Battalion? The hell are you doing
all the way out here?
Dotson:
I came looking for you guys. Sammy said youd be out here.
Paul:
Sam? Why were you talking with him?
Dotson:
Thats why Im here. Gooks didnt stay true to their cease-fire. Tet
doesnt mean squat to them. HQs been getting radio calls from OPs all over the
Quang Tri. They got artillery firebases all over the province putting out all
kinds of heavy ordnance,
(Confident/Excited)
Im telling ya, Ferg. Theyre
dropping steel rain on top of these gooks and theyre dropping it hard.
Ferguson:
Wait what about Khe Sanh? Theyre hitting it right now? Whos
watching our OP?
Dotson
: I dunno, man. Some guys from H&S Company. But Ferguson, they arent
gonna last much longer without backup. Theres no one else but you guys.
Barber:
H&S? Who the hell let those grease monkeys into our OP?
Ferguson:
Damn it! We gotta get back there now!

(Ferguson runs off stage right with Ashman, and Barber. Paul moves to follow
them as well, but Dotson stops him)
Dotson:
Paul, wait. Theres something you should know...
Paul:
Later. We gotta goDotson:
Its Sam.
Paul:
What about him?
(Silence, Dotson looks down)
Dotson, what happened to
Sammy?!
Dotson:
Hes gone man. He was trying to escape from gook fire, he was kept
screaming your name and asking why you werent there, then a grenade went off
not even ten feet away from him. Blew his whole leg off. There wasnt no saving
him. He told me where I could find you guys.

Paul:
(
Drops his rifle on the ground and gets sad/angry)
NO! GODDAMMIT NO!
Please dont play around with me right now. Its not funny!
(Runs hands over face
and starts pacing)
Dotson:
(Grabs Paul by his jacket)

Im not screwing around, man! You gotta get it

together, Paul. Hes gone, and right now we need all hands on deck.
(Pauses)
I just
thought you should know, so you wouldnt be surprised when you- er saw him.
Paul:
(Wipes tears from his face)

Its all my fault, dammit. Hes like a child!

Everyone knows that! I never should have left him alone! This is all my fault. He
wanted to come with us! God, why the hell didnt I just let him come?! I told him
hed be safe!
Dotson:
Stop it- youre lucky enough to be alive. You wanna trade places with
him? You can try but it wont drag his ass back from the dead. You cant dwell on
it, man. You cant dwell on any of it. It dont mean a thing, right?
Paul:
It dont mean a thing?! It doesnt mean a thing to you! Screw you! Why does
everyone just push it all away? Im done with trying. It
does
mean something to
me and I know it did to Sammy.
Dotson:
Get your shit together,
(Picks up Adams rifle off the ground)
This stuff
happens every day, weve all lost brothers. We still got a war to fight!
(Calmer)
Guys like us cant afford to keep this on our shoulders, itll just get everyone
around you killed.
(Slams Adams rifle into his arms)
You gonna do your job or am
I gonna have to leave your ass in this jungle?

(Adams takes the rifle and follows Dotson offstage)

Resolution:

(A giant American flag is hung covering the backdrop, and a podium is placed at
center stage. COPIES OF THE RESOLUTION MONOLOGUES ARE ON PODIUM. The Colonel
walks up to the podium on stage right with a prepared speech in hand. Paul and
Chorus members are sitting on a bench on stage left.)
Colonel:
As the war comes to a close, we do our best to pick up the pieces that
these valiant men left behind. Today, we remember Lance Corporal Sam Adams,
Third Battalion Third Marines, for his valor in combat and the conviction of
his character. Him and half his company lost their lives defending their post
at the Khe Sanh Combat Base. They were severely outnumbered, but they chose to
stay and fight. For these actions, we award Lance Corporal Sam with the Silver
Star Medal.
(Applause from the audience)
We must never forget men like Sam, for
these are the men. They are lost to us, but not forgotten.

(Paul walks up to colonel and accepts the folded and then freezes. Chorus stands
up from their seats and walks forward to the stages edge.)

Marine:
Two boys set off, with dreams and hope
Which hate and war tattered and broke
Colonel:
A brother with love turned his back
He never suspected a treacherous attack
Nurse 1:
Two boys set off to this vicious war
One boy returns, beaten and sore.
Nurse 2:
And as he arrived home, that coming spring
He knew it didnt mean
All:
A damn thing.

The End

Directors Note
Id like to dedicate this script and play to the men and women of America
that have previously served in any branch of the Armed Forces and are
serving.
Without people like them, this wouldnt have been possible.
Next,
Id like to thank the hard work and dedication of my peers for helping me
edit, revise, produce, and overall bring this dream to life.

This piece of literature is a testament to the

unsung heroes
in this world.
The people with strong moral fiber, and conviction of character,
who sacrifice so much- but gain little recognition.
These
true heroes
dont go above and beyond for awards, medals, trophies,
applause, or appreciation.
They do it because they know that no one else will.

They may be unseen, unheard of, and unsung-

but they are

not forgotten.